Swedenborg Short Film Festival: RESULTS

December 6, 2012

Hello,

This is just a quick note on last Friday’s short film festival! Judges Gareth Evans and Jeremy Millar selected seven films for screening in Swedenborg Hall on 30 November 2012. All films were shortlisted for the award, Best Film, which was chosen by the judges and given at the closing of the festival. Here are the results of the festival. Please find further information on our website and also in a recent review by Vincent Kenny for the Best For Film website.

AWARDED BEST FILM: FROM HERE TO ETERNITY

Oliver Pietsch

Pietsch’s film explores the theme of death in the history of cinema. The artist addresses with a hint of humour the idea of immortality interpreted by actors through the course of time. From Here To Eternity is composed of three chapters: the physical implications of death; the fear of death; and notions of the afterlife.

Oliver was born in 1973 in Munich, Germany. He graduated from the Academy of Arts, Munich in 2003, and now lives and works in Berlin. Oliver has exhibited internationally and is represented by the Nettie Horn gallery in London. www.oliverpietsch.de

Judges’ Comments:

Taking literally to heart Laura Mulvey‘s observation that film might be a kind of death 24 times a second, this ambitious and often darkly humorous work embodies an unflinching awareness of the moving image’s ability, perhaps because of its own transience, to capture in all its unsettling variety, the moment – and implications – of passing.

HONOURABLE MENTION: THE SUBTERRANEANS

Toby Tatum

The Subterraneans represents a series of visions relayed through a heightened consciousness. The camera frames shadowy recesses offering access to the underworld, drawing us closer to the presences that lurk beyond these thresholds in the natural landscape. The soundtrack is supplied by Abi Fry from British Sea Power.

Toby was born in 1974 in Reading, England. He studied Fine Art at the University of Brighton and Chelsea College of Art, London, and currently lives and works in Hastings. Toby Tatum’s films have been exhibited at numerous film festivals and arts events worldwide, including screenings at the Rotterdam International Film Festival, the London Short Film Festival and the Berwick Upon Tweed Film & Media Arts Festival. www.tobytatum.com

Judges Comments:

For its subtle and allusive sense of the mysteries awaiting revelation, given a careful attention, patience and a receptivity of vision. It is noted that these qualities are evident – and very welcome – across Tatum’s oeuvre to date.